Hydrogen condensate and method of generating heat therewith

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a method of generating heat using a hydrogen condensate. The hydrogen condensate comprises a plurality of metal atoms contained in a metal nano-ultrafine particle and a plurality of hydrogen isotope atoms solid-dissolved among the plurality of metal atoms. At least two of the plurality of hydrogen isotope atoms are condensed so that the inter-atomic nuclear distance between two hydrogen Isotope atoms is smaller than or equal, to the internuclear spacing of a molecule consisting of two hydrogen isotope atoms. The heat generation method comprises applying energy to the hydrogen condensate and generating heat by causing the at least two hydrogen isotope atoms to react with each other due to the energy.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a hydrogen condensate such that aplurality of hydrogen isotope atoms are solid-dissolved among aplurality of metal atoms, and a method of generating heat using thehydrogen condensate.

The present invention makes it possible to produce new energy which issafe and whose resource is guaranteed to be inexhaustible and which istherefore desired bar the human race, and helium gas which is useful andwhose abundance is very small. Further, the present invention providesan immeasurable contribution to development of new science andtechnology in a wide variety of fields, such as energy science andtechnology, material science and technology, refrigerant technology,aeronautical engineering and the like, and further, any activities forthe continuation of the human race, and the conservation of the Earth'senvironment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional energy sources include fossil fuels, water power, nuclearenergy, wind power, hydrogen, solar light, and the like. However, whenthese energy sources are used, serious problems inevitably arise,including exhaustion of resources, environmental destruction,inefficiency and the like. Therefore, there are concerns over the use ofthese energy sources for the future. On the other hand, ultrahightemperature nuclear fusion has been proposed as a new energy source,however, its practical use is still distant.

Recently, methods of utilizing electrolysis using palladium electrodes(Pd) have been developed as an energy source. However, for most of them,there are doubts about the possibility of the practical use as an energysource.

For example, a method of utilizing a Double Structure (DS) cathode, withwhich the present inventors attained the only success, has a poor levelof heat generation efficiency, and its industrialization was actuallyimpossible (see Yoshiaki Arata, M. J. A, and Yue-Chang Zhang, Formationof condensed metallic deuterium lattice and nuclear fusion, Proceedingsof the Japan Academy, the Japan Academy, Mar. 28, 2002, Vol. 78, Ser. B,No. 3, p. 57-62).

The DS-cathode used in the above-described method is, for example, aDS-cathode using Pd black ultrafine particles (see WO95/35574) or aDS-cathode using metal nanoparticles (see Japanese Laid-Open PublicationNo. 2002-105609).

Further, the present inventors made an attempt to apply ultrasonicenergy to a bulk (metal bulk) or a foil (metal foil) implanted withdeuterium oxide (D₂O) to generate heat. However, the efficiency of theheat generation is poor, so that there are doubts about theindustrialization of this technique (see Yoshiaki Arata, M. J. A., andYue-Chang Zhang, Nuclear fusion reacted inside metals by intensesonoplantation effect, Proceedings of the Japan Academy, the JapanAcademy, Mar. 28, 2002, Vol. 78, Ser. B, No. 3, p. 63-68).

The present invention is provided to solve the above-described problems.An object of the present invention is to provide: (1) a hydrogencondensate in which a larger quantity of hydrogen isotope atoms aresolid-dissolved among metal atoms than in conventional techniques; and(2) a method of generating heat using the hydrogen condensate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention was completed based on the finding that thehydrogen condensate of the present invention has a function or behaviordifferent from conventional bulk (metal bulk) or foil (metal foil) andis useful as a material for a nuclear fusion reaction. In other words,the present invention was completed by novel and innovative exploration,selection and combination of various conditions using the hydrogencondensate of the present invention, but not modification of conditionsfor conventional bulk or foil.

The present inventors disproved a conventional established theory afterwe had keenly and diligently studied for over half a century. Accordingto the conventional established theory, when deuterium issolid-dissolved in palladium particles, which are known to be the bestto solid-dissolve hydrogen, the number of deuterium atoms/the number ofpalladium atoms is 70 to 80% and cannot exceed 100%. To our surprise, weachieved a pressurizing effect corresponding to several hundred millionsof atmospheric pressure to hydrogen gas by applying a practical level ofpressure (about 0.3 to about 100 atmospheric pressure), and utilized ahydrogen condensate which was produced under a practical level ofpressure for a nuclear fusion reaction. The present invention wascompleted based on our achievements and perspectives. Energy which isgenerated using the heat generation method of the present invention isreferred to as “ARATA ENERGY”.

A method of the present invention is a method of generating heat using ahydrogen condensate. The hydrogen condensate comprises a metalnano-ultrafine particle containing a plurality of metal atoms and aplurality of hydrogen isotope atoms solid-dissolved among the pluralityof metal atoms, and at least two of the plurality of hydrogen isotopeatoms are condensed so that an inter-atomic nuclear distance between thetwo hydrogen isotope atoms is smaller than or equal to an internuclearspacing of a molecule consisting of the two hydrogen isotope atoms. Theheat generation method comprises applying energy to the hydrogencondensate, and generating heat by causing the at least two hydrogenisotope atoms to react with each other due to the energy. Thereby, theabove-described object is achieved.

The plurality of metal atoms may be metal atoms of at least one speciesselected from the group consisting of palladium, titanium, zirconium,silver, iron, nickel, copper, and zinc.

Another method of the present invention is a method of generating heatusing a hydrogen condensate. The hydrogen condensate comprises a metalalloy composite containing a plurality of metal atoms and a plurality ofhydrogen isotope atoms solid-dissolved among the plurality of metal,atoms, and at least two of the plurality of hydrogen isotope atoms arecondensed so that an inter-atomic nuclear distance between the twohydrogen isotope atoms is smaller than or equal to an internuclearspacing of a molecule consisting of the two hydrogen isotope atoms. Theheat generation method comprises applying energy to the hydrogencondensate, and generating heat by causing the at least two hydrogenisotope atoms to react with each other due to the energy. Thereby, theabove-described object is achieved.

The energy may be generated based on at least one of ultrasonic wave,strong magnetic field, high pressure, laser, laser explosiveflux-compression, high-density electron beam, high-density current,discharge, and chemical reaction.

In the step of generating heat, the at least two hydrogen isotope atomsare reacted with each other to generate a helium molecule in addition tothe heat.

A hydrogen condensate of the present invention comprises a metalnano-ultrafine particle containing a plurality of metal atoms, and aplurality of hydrogen isotope atoms solid-dissolved among the pluralityof metal atoms. At least two of the plurality of hydrogen isotope atomsare condensed so that an inter-atomic nuclear distance between the twohydrogen isotope atoms is smaller than or equal to an internuclearspacing of a molecule consisting of the two hydrogen isotope atoms.Thereby, the above-described object is achieved.

The plurality of metal atoms may be metal atoms of at least one speciesselected from the group consisting of palladium, titanium, zirconium,silver, iron, nickel, copper, and zinc.

Another hydrogen condensate of the present invention comprises a metalalloy composite containing a plurality of metal atoms, and a pluralityof hydrogen isotope atoms solid-dissolved among the plurality of metalatoms. At least two of the plurality of hydrogen isotope atoms arecondensed so that an inter-atomic nuclear distance between the twohydrogen isotope atoms is smaller than or equal to an internuclearspacing of a molecule consisting of the two hydrogen isotope atoms.Thereby, the above-described object is achieved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an exemplary structure of ahydrogen condensate 100.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an exemplary structure of a heat generationapparatus 200.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing changes over time in heat generated by soliddissolving a mixture gas of deuterium gas and helium gas into a ZrO₂.Pdparticle, and changes over time in the internal pressure of a reactionfurnace 201.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing comparison between heat generation beforeapplying an ultrasonic wave to the ultrahigh-density deuteratednanoparticle and heat generation during application of ultrasonic wave.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing comparison of an ultrahigh-densitydeuterated nanoparticle sample produced by solid-dissolving deuteriumatoms into a ZrO₂.Pd particle between before and after applying theultrasonic wave to the sample (before and after a nuclear fusionreaction).

FIG. 6A is a diagram showing the result of analysis of gas generatedwhen the ultrasonic wave was applied to an ultrahigh-density deuteratednanoparticle produced by solid-dissolving deuterium atoms into a ZrO₂.Pdparticle (during a nuclear fusion reaction).

FIG. 6B is a diagram showing the result of analysis of gas generatedafter the ultrasonic wave was applied to a ultrahigh-density deuteratednanoparticle produced by solid-dissolving deuterium atoms into a ZrO₂.Pdparticle (after a nuclear fusion reaction).

FIG. 6C is a diagram showing spectra of M4.

FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing an exemplary structure of ahydrogen condensate 300.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing changes over time in heat generated bysolid-dissolving deuterium gas into a Zr₃NiO.Pd particle, and changesover time in the internal pressure of the reaction furnace 201.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing that it is more difficult for deuteriumatoms to be solid-dissolved in a Zr₃NiO.Pd particle when a mixture gasof deuterium gas and helium gas is used than when deuterium gas is used.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the result of analysis of gas generatedwhen the ultrasonic wave was applied to a deuterium condensate producedby solid-dissolving deuterium atoms into a Zr₃NiO.Pd particle (during anuclear fusion reaction).

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing that the quantity of helium generated byapplying the ultrasonic wave to a deuterium condensate produced bysolid-dissolving deuterium atoms into a Zr₃NiO.Pd particle is largerthan the quantity of helium generated bar applying the ultrasonic waveto a deuterium condensate produced by solid-dissolving deuterium atomsinto a ZrO₂.Pd particle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(Definition of Terms)

Hereinafter, terms used herein will be defined.

“Metal nano-ultrafine particle”: a metal nano-ultrafine particle meansboth “a metal nano-ultrafine particle and a group thereof” and “asurface layer corresponding to two-dimensional metal nano-ultrafineparticles”.

The metal nano-ultrafine particle (spherical shape) and the surfacelayer (circular shape) corresponding to two-dimensional metalnano-ultrafine particles have an average diameter which is calculatedfrom a lattice size composed of at least 13 metal atoms. The averagediameter is 5 nm at the maximum when the metal nano-ultrafine particlesare buried, and 15 nm at the maximum when the metal nano-ultrafineparticles are isolated. The metal nano-ultrafine particles include atleast one metal selected from the group consisting of metals, such aspalladium, titanium, zirconium, silver and the like. Note that, when themetal nano-ultrafine particles include two or more metals, they can beused in the form of mixture or coexistence or in the form of alloy inwhich these metal atoms are mixed or coexist.

When material is repeatedly subdivided into a certain critical size orless, the properties of the material, suddenly change (MaterialsTransaction, JIM, Vol. 35, No. 9, pp. 563-575, 1994). Such a suddenchange in material properties is recognized as a phenomenon thatelasticity emerges in the bond between atoms of the material. Forexample, in the case of a lattice composed of four atoms, the phenomenonappears as if a non-elastic wooden lattice changes to a spring lattice.In the present invention, a metal particle or a metal crystal latticeand a metal surface layer whose physical properties are suddenly changeddue to ultrafine subdivision are used as a material which issignificantly effective for production of an ultrahigh-densitydeuterated nanoparticle (i.e., the above-described metal nano-ultrafineparticle or surface layer corresponding to two-dimensional metalnano-ultrafine particles).

The metal nano-ultrafine particle can be produced using a method ofoxidizing an amorphous alloy. For example, ZrO₂.Pd having an averagediameter of about 5 nm can be produced by oxidizing an amorphous alloyZr₆₅.Pd₃₅. The details of the method are described in Japanese Laid-OpenPublication No. 2002-105609. Alternatively, the metal nano-ultrafineparticle can be prepared using a vapor deposition method. The details ofthe method are described in “Materials Transaction, JIM, Vol. 35”(described above).

The metal nano-ultrafine particles may be buried in a support in a statethat allows the particles to be separated from one another withoutcontacting one another (“buried type” particles), or may be distributedin a liquid, a gas, a substrate or the like in a state that allows theparticles to be separated from one another without contacting oneanother (“isolated type” particles).

The “buried type” particle has an average diameter in the range from alattice size composed of at least 13 metal atoms to a maximum of 5 nm.The “isolated type” particle has an average diameter in the range from alattice size composed of at least 13 metal atoms to a maximum of 15 nm.Note that the metal nano-ultrafine particle and the surface layercorresponding to the two-dimensional metal nano-ultrafine particles canbe provided or commercialized singly as a material for a nuclear fusionreaction.

“Ultrahigh-density deuterated nanoparticle”: an ultrahigh-densitydeuterated nanoparticle means both “an ultrahigh-density deuteratednanoparticle and a group thereof” and “an ultrahigh-density deuteratedsurface layer corresponding to two-dimensional ultrahigh-densitydeuterated nanoparticles”. By using the ultrahigh-density deuteratednanoparticie and the surface layer corresponding to two-dimensionalultrahigh-density deuterated nanoparticles as hosts, it is possible tosolid-dissolve deuterium atoms to an atom number ratio (the number ofdeuterium atoms/metal atoms) of 200% or more. In the present invention,for example, deuterium is caused to be absorbed into a buried-type metalnano-ultrafine particle having an average diameter of 5 nm or less underpressure. When the pressure is 10 atmospheric pressure or less,deuterium atoms can be solid-dissolved to an atom number ratio of 250%or more. When the pressure is 100 atmospheric pressure, deuterium atomscan be solid-dissolved to an atom number ratio of about 300%. Thus, anultrahigh-density deuterium condensate can be formed, in which deuteriumatoms are localized in the metal crystal lattice. As a result, anultrahigh-density deuterated nanoparticle can be obtained. The formationof the deuterium condensate is performed in order to reduce the nucleardistance between two deuterium atoms to 0.6 Å or less which permitsnuclear fusion. In this case, it is roughly estimated that the deuteriumcondensate has a pressurizing effect corresponding to deuterium gas towhich several hundred millions of atmospheric pressure is applied(exactly speaking, in the case of an atom number ratio of 400%).Commercially available deuterium can be used. The ultrahigh-densitydeuterated nanoparticle and a group thereof and the ultrahigh-densitydeuterated surface layer corresponding to the two-dimensional metalnano-ultrafine particles can be provided or commercialized singly as amaterial for a nuclear fusion reaction.

“Energy”: energy means both impact energy and stationary energy. A meansor an energy source which applies load energy to the ultrahigh-densitydeuterated nanoparticle and a group thereof and the ultrahigh-densitydeuterated surface layer corresponding to the two-dimensional metalnano-ultrafine particles, includes ultrasonic wave, strong magneticfield, high pressure, laser, laser explosive flux-compression,high-density electron beam, high-density current, discharge, chemicalreaction, and the like. These energies can be used singly or incombination. Note that, when ultrasonic wave is used, a transfer mediumfor transferring the energy to a nuclear fusion reaction material isrequired, such as, for example, D₂O (commercially available), H₂O or thelike. The energy to be applied needs to have intensity or quantity whichcan induce or cause a nuclear fusion reaction, such as 300 Watt and 19kHz for an ultrasonic wave.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described withreference to the accompanying drawings.

1. Structure of Hydrogen Condensate 100

FIG. 1 schematically shows an exemplary structure of a hydrogencondensate 100.

The hydrogen condensate 100 comprises a metal nano-ultrafine particle(host) and a plurality of hydrogen isotope atoms (guests) 102 which aresolid-dissolved in a plurality of metal atoms 101 contained in the metalnano-ultrafine particle.

A larger quantity of hydrogen isotope atoms can be dissolved in themetal nano-ultrafine particle than in a metal particle (bulk metalparticle) which is larger than the metal nano-ultrafine particle. Thisis because the bond between metal atoms in the metal nano-ultrafineparticle is more elastic than the bond between metal atoms in the bulkmetal particle, and therefore, a pressure applied to the metalnano-ultrafine particle and the hydrogen isotope atom in order tosolid-dissolve the hydrogen isotope atom is lower than a pressureapplied to the bulk metal particle and the hydrogen isotope atom inorder to solid-dissolve the hydrogen isotope atom.

In FIG. 1, an open circle indicates a 20-face site of a metal atom, aclosed circle indicates a 14-face site, and arrow A indicates elasticityof the bond between metal atoms in the metal nano-ultrafine particle.

Thus, the phenomenon that the bond between metal atoms in the metalnano-ultrafine particle has elasticity is based on the principle thatwhen a material is subdivided into its specific critical size or less, aphysical property thereof changes suddenly, so that elasticity emergesin the bond between atoms.

By using the above-described metal nano-ultrafine particle as a host, itis possible to cause hydrogen isotope atoms to be included in thehydrogen condensate to an atom number ratio (the number of hydrogenisotope atoms/the number of metal atoms) of 200% or more.

The quantity of hydrogen isotope atoms which can be contained in thehydrogen condensate depends on the magnitude of pressure applied to themetal nano-ultrafine particle and the hydrogen isotope atoms. Forexample, when the applied pressure is 10 times atmospheric pressure,hydrogen isotope atoms can be solid-dissolved in the metalnano-ultrafine particle to an atom number ratio of 250% or more. Whenthe applied pressure is 100 times atmospheric pressure, hydrogen isotopeatoms can be solid-dissolved in the metal nano-ultrafine particle to anatom number ratio of 300% or more. The plurality of hydrogen isotopeatoms solid-dissolved in the metal nano-ultrafine particle exist ashydrogen condensates (local condensates) condensed in a metal lattice ofthe metal nano-ultrafine particle.

As described above, a larger number of hydrogen isotope atoms per unitparticle can be solid-dissolved in the metal nano-ultrafine particlethan in bulk metal particles. Therefore, the distance between hydrogenisotope atoms solid-dissolved in the metal nano-ultrafine particle issmaller than the distance between hydrogen isotope atoms solid-dissolvedin the bulk metal particle. As a result, it is possible to apply a lowerlevel of energy to the hydrogen condensate to react the hydrogen isotopeatoms than that to a particle comprising a bulk metal particle and aplurality of hydrogen isotope atoms.

The hydrogen condensate needs to contain at least two hydrogen isotopeatoms. This is because the two hydrogen isotope atoms are caused toreact with each other. A combination of the two hydrogen isotope atomswhich react with each other in the hydrogen condensate maybe acombination of the same hydrogen isotope atoms or of different hydrogenisotope atoms. The at least two hydrogen isotope atoms contained in thehydrogen condensate are condensed so that the inter-atomic nucleardistance between the two hydrogen isotope atoms is smaller than or equalto the internuclear spacing of a molecule consisting of the two hydrogenisotope atoms. As the number of hydrogen isotope atoms contained in thehydrogen condensate is increased, the hydrogen condensate is more usefulas a fuel for a nuclear fusion reaction.

1.1 Guest of Hydrogen Condensate

Combinations of two hydrogen isotope atoms which are usable as guests ofhydrogen condensate are, for example, a combination of a deuterium atom(D) and a deuterium atom (D), a combination of a deuterium atom (D) anda tritium atom (T) , a combination of a deuterium atom (D) and ahydrogen atom (H), a combination of a tritium atom (T) and a hydrogenatom (H), and a combination of a tritium atom (T) and a tritium atom(T). In consideration of the cost efficiency, ease of control, safetyand cleanliness of the nuclear fusion reaction, the order of preferenceis the combination of a deuterium atom (D) and a deuterium atom (D), thecombination of a deuterium atom (D) and a hydrogen atom (H), thecombination of a tritium atom (T) and a hydrogen atom (H), and thecombination of a deuterium atom (D) and a tritium atom (T). Thecombination of a deuterium atom (D) and a deuterium atom (D) isespecially recommendable.

The atom number ratios of deuterium atom (D)/hydrogen atom (H), tritiumatom (T)/hydrogen atom (H) and deuterium atom (D)/tritium atom (T) arearbitrarily determined. Two or more of the above-mentioned combinationsof atoms contained in a hydrogen condensate may coexist, may exist in amixed state, or may be mixed.

A hydrogen condensate is formed by aggregating or condensatiog hydrogenisotope atoms on a surface layer or in the inside of the host describedbelow. In order to attain the aggregation or condensation, the twoisotope atoms need to be aggregated such that the inter-atomic nucleardistance between the two isotope atoms contained in the host is withinthe internuclear spacing of a molecule consisting of the two hydrogenisotope atoms (e.g., D₂, DH, TH, DT, etc.).

Specifically, for example, when a plurality of hydrogen isotope atomsare contained in a hydrogen condensate, the deuterium atoms need to bepacked, captured and adjusted in the host such that the distance betweentwo atoms of D-D, the distance between three atoms of D-D-D, and thedistance between four atoms of D-D-D-D are each within the internuclearspacing of a D molecule (D₂) (e.g., 0.074 nm or less).

1.2 Host of Hydrogen Condensate

The host is used as a vessel or capsule for capturing and adjusting orforcibly packing the combinations of two or more hydrogen isotopeswithin the internuclear spacing of the molecule. The space or room whichis retained on a surface layer or in the inside of the host as thecapsule is preferably of the nanometer order (e.g., the average diameterof the space regarded as the sphere is preferably about 0.002 to about200 nm, or preferably about 0.005 to about 50 nm). The number ofcaptured hydrogen isotopes/hydrogen condensate needs to be at least two.It is considered that as the number of captured hydrogen isotopes islarger, the performance or efficiency of the hydrogen condensate as afuel for nuclear fusion reaction is higher. It is desirable that theouter wall of the above-mentioned capsule or vessel as the host iselastic at the atomic or molecular level.

1.3 Atomic Structure as Host

Atomic structures which are nano-order ultrafine particles obtained bysubdividing metal crystals in the form of lattice and have an averagediameter in the range of one lattice unit size to a maximum of 50 nm areusable as hosts. Metal host candidates are, for example, known metalsforming known lattice crystals, such as body centered cubic lattice,face-centered cubic lattice, hexagonal close-packed structure and thelike (a. g. , palladium, titanium, zirconium, silver, iron, nickel,copper, zinc, etc.), and a combination of two or more of these metals.

1.4 Molecular Structure as Host

Inorganic compounds and aggregations thereof or crystal structures whichhave a shape of lattice, cube, rectangular parallelepiped, quadrangularcolumn, hexagonal column, honeycomb, other polygonal columns, cylinder,tube, sphere, polymorphism, amorphous or the like as a shape of a unitas a vessel or capsule for capturing and adjusting hydrogen isotopeatoms are usable as hosts. For example, aggregations or crystalstructures of oxides and hydroxides of tin, zinc, iron, zirconium,titanium and the like, and carbon nanotube and the like are hostcandidates.

Single-stranded, double-stranded, or branched polymeric organiccompounds having such a length that can capture and adjust theabove-mentioned combinations of hydrogen isotopes (e.g., D and D, D andH, T and H, D and T, etc. ) as host by winding are host candidates(e.g., protein, DNA, RNA, starch, polymeric hydrocarbon, derivativesthereof, polymeric compounds for synthetic fibers, etc.), for example.Single-stranded, double-stranded, or branched polymeric organiccompounds having such a space or room that can capture and adjust theguest material by burying it in a surface layer or in the inside thereofhaving a primary, secondary or tertiary structure are host candidates,for example. Organic compounds (e.g., cyclodextrin, fullerene, etc.)which can capture and adjust the guest material in a surface layer or inthe inside thereof having a cylindrical or spherical molecular structurein the inside or in a surface layer thereof are host candidates, forexample.

1.5 Preparation of Hydrogen Condensate

Air existing in the host material is removed by vacuum and/or heating,and then a guest is added to the host material to cause them to coexistor mix them. Then, the resultant material is allowed to stand and/orlowered in temperature such that it is not frozen, and pressurized under10 to 100 atmospheric pressure. Thus, the guest is captured orsolid-dissolved into the host, whereby a hydrogen condensate can beformed.

1.6 Form of Hydrogen Condensate Provided

The hydrogen condensate can be commercialized in the form of a solid,such as film, powder, capsule or the like, or a liquid.

2. Method of Generating Heat Using Hydrogen Condensate 100

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary structure of a heat generation apparatus 200.

The heat generation apparatus 200 is used to produce the hydrogencondensate 100 by solid-dissolving hydrogen isotope atoms 102 among aplurality of metal atoms 101 contained in a metal nano-ultrafineparticle. The heat generation apparatus 200 is also used to generateheat using the hydrogen condensate 100.

The heat generation apparatus 200 comprises a reaction furnace 201, avacuum exhaust port 202, a gas injection port 203 for injecting hydrogenisotope gas, a transfer medium injection port 204, a gas outlet 205, anultrasonic wave generation means 206, and an ultrasonic vibrator 207.The heat generation apparatus 200 can be applied to power generationmeans, battery, heating a room, cooling a room and the like, and can beimplemented as a small-size apparatus or a portable apparatus for theseapplications, which cannot be practically used in conventionaltechnology.

The reaction furnace 201 accommodates the hydrogen condensate 100. Airis exhausted via the vacuum exhaust port 202 from the reaction furnace201. A medium (D₂O, H₂O, etc.) for transferring ultrasonic wave to thehydrogen condensate 100 is injacted via the transfer medium injectionport 204. High-temperature and high-pressure gas and helium gas areremoved via the gas outlet 205. The ultrasonic generation means 206generates an ultrasonic wave. The ultrasonic wave vibrator 207 transfersthe ultrasonic wave to the ultrasonic wave transfer medium.

In the example of FIG. 2, ultrasonic wave energy is applied to thehydrogen condensate 100. The energy causes at least two of a pluralityof deuterium atoms solid-dissolved in the hydrogen condensate 100 toreact with each other, thereby making it possible to generate heat andhelium gas.

Note that the energy applied to the hydrogen condensate 100 is notlimited to the ultrasonic wave energy. Examples of the energy applied tothe hydrogen condensate 100 include any impact energy and any stationaryenergy. For example, the energy applied to the hydrogen condensate 100may be energy which is generated based on at least one of ultrasonicwave, strong magnetic field, high pressure, laser, laser explosiveflux-compression, high-density electron beam, high-density current,discharge, and chemical reaction. Two or more of these energies may beused in combination.

Note that the structure of the heat generation apparatus 200 is notlimited to that shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 only illustrates an exemplarystructure of the heat generation apparatus 200. An apparatus having anyarbitrary structure can be used instead of the heat generation apparatus200 as long as it can achieve a function equivalent to that of the heatgeneration apparatus 200. The heat generation apparatus 200 may functionas an apparatus for generating heat using a nuclear fusion reactionmaterial. In this case, the heat generation apparatus 200 preferablycomprises a nuclear fusion reaction furnace which accommodates a nuclearfusion reaction material, a means of controlling a nuclear fusionreaction, a means of applying impact energy and/or stationary energy tothe nuclear fusion reaction material to induce or cause a nuclear fusionreaction, a means of removing generated heat, and a means of collectinggenerated helium. Each means included in the heat generation apparatus200 can be added or omitted as required and as appropriate.

EXAMPLE 1

A buried-type metal nano-ultrafine particle (ZrO₂.Pd particle) wasproduced by using zirconia (ZrO₂) as a support and burying ZrO₂.Pdhaving an average diameter of about 5 nm into the support. The metalnano-ultrafine particle (ZrO₂.Pd particle) was placed in the reactionfurnace 201, and thereafter, deuterium gas (D₂ gas) was injected intothe reaction furnace 201. A pressure was applied to the metalnano-ultrafine particle (ZrO₂.Pd particle) and the deuterium gas (D₂gas) to cause the metal nano-ultrafine particle (ZrO₂.Pd particle) toabsorb deuterium atoms, thereby preparing a nuclear fusion reactionmaterial (ultrahigh-density deuterated nanoparticle). Thereafter, impactenergy created by activating the ultrasonic wave vibrator 207 wasapplied via an ultrasonic wave transfer medium (D₂O) to theultrahigh-density deuterated nanoparticle, thereby causing a nuclearfusion reaction.

Hereinafter, a procedure for operating the heat generation apparatus 200will be described.

Operation I: a ZrO₂.Pd particle (3.5 g) was accommodated in the reactionfurnace 201. The reaction furnace 201 was evacuated to a high level ofvacuum (10⁻⁷ Torr) by heating the reaction furnace 201 at 150° C. whileremoving air via the vacuum exhaust port 202.

Operation II: deuterium gas (D₂ gas) was injected via the gas injectionport 203 into the reaction furnace 201. The injection of deuterium gas(D₂ gas) was performed at a constant rate (20 cc/min). The internalpressure of the reaction furnace 201 was set to be about 10 timesatmospheric pressure so that deuterium atoms were solid-dissolved intothe ZrO₂.Pd particle and a condensate was formed.

As a result, an ultrahigh-density deuterated nanoparticle having an atomnumber ratio of 250% or more was obtained. Note that the quantity ofsolid-dissolved atoms was calculated based on the flow rate of theinjected gas and a time required for the gas pressure in the reactionfurnace to be increased.

The deuterium gas is solid-dissolved into the ultrahigh-densitydeuterated nanoparticle in the form of deuterium atoms, but not in theform of deuterium molecules.

Note that the gas injected via the gas injection port 203 is not limitedto deuterium gas. A mixture of deuterium gas and gas of another hydrogenisotope (e.g., H₂ gas) maybe injected. A mixture of gas of a hydrogenisotope and gas of another hydrogen isotope may be injected. A mixtureof deuterium gas and another different species of gas may be injected.For example, a mixture of deuterium gas and helium gas increases thesolid-dissolution rate of deuterium atoms (FIG. 9), and therefore, thismixture gas is preferably used. However, a mixture of deuterium gas andneon inhibits solid-dissolution of deuterium atoms, and therefore, thismixture gas is not preferably used. As the different species of gas usedin the mixture gas, a material having an atomic diameter similar to thatof a deuterium atom is considered to be desirable.

FIG. 3 shows changes over time in heat generated by solid-dissolving amixture gas of deuterium gas and helium gas into the ZrO₂.Pd particle,and changes over time in the internal pressure of the reaction furnace201. In FIG. 3, a vertical axis (left) represents temperature (° C.),another vertical axis (right) represents the internal pressure (atm) ofthe reaction furnace 201, and the horizontal axis represents time (min).

When a mixture gas of deuterium gas and helium gas is solid-dissolvedinto the ZrO₂.Pd particle, the temperature of an outer wall surface ofthe reaction furnace 201 is increased up to a maximum of 45° C. due tochemical reaction heat generated by the solid-dissolution. It takes 55min to 60 min for the internal pressure of the reaction furnace 201 toreach 10 atm.

Note that the temperature of the outer wail surface of the reactionfurnace 201 was measured. This is because the internal pressure of thereaction furnace 201 may be increased to a very high level, and in thiscase, the temperature of the inside of the reaction furnace 201 cannotbe measured.

Operation III: the ultrasonic wave transfer medium 210 was injected viathe transfer medium injection port 204 into the reaction furnace 201 sothat the ultrasonic wave vibrator 207 was sufficiently immersed in thereaction furnace 201. Examples of the ultrasonic transfer medium 210include water (H₂O), water vapor, and commercially available heavy water(D₂O).

Operation IV: ultrasonic wave energy was applied from an edge surface ofthe ultrasonic wave vibrator 207 via the ultrasonic wave transfer medium210 to the ultrahigh-density deuterated nanoparticle.

The intensity of the ultrasonic wave is, for example, 300 watt and 19kHz. Note that the intensity of the ultrasonic wave is not limited to300 watt and 19 kHz as long as the intensity is sufficient that aplurality of deuterium atoms solid-dissolved in the ultrahigh-densitydeuterated nanoparticle react with one another.

As an element used in the nuclear fusion reaction, elements having anatomic number of 4 or less and an isotope thereof can be used. Takingease of handling into consideration, preferably, deuterium (D) is usedsingly, or alternatively, a combination of deuterium (D) and hydrogen(H) or a combination of deuterium (D) and tritium (T) is used.

By applying energy to the ultrahigh-density deuterated nanoparticle, aplurality of deuterium atoms react with one another to generate heat andhelium molecules. The reaction is represented by:² D+ ² D= ⁴He+lattice energy (23.8 MeV).

The reaction does not generate a neutron and is a mild nuclear fusionreaction, and therefore, is desirably better than a DD nuclear fusionreaction described below. Therefore, the ultrahigh-density deuteratednanoparticle of the present invention is recommended to be used for anuclear fusion reaction in terms of the conservation of the environment.The well-known DD nuclear fusion reaction which causes a radical impactof deuterium atoms to generate T and neutrons is extremely dangerous,and therefore, is not desirable in terms of industrial applicability andconservation of the environment.

The reaction of deuterium generates high-temperature and high-pressuregas and helium gas in the reaction furnace 201. The high-temperature andhigh-pressure gas and the helium gas are removed via the gas outlet 205.

The high-temperature and high-pressure gas is, for example, transferredto a turbine generator, in which the gas is in turn used as a drivesource for driving the turbine generator. The high-temperature andhigh-pressure gas is transferred to the turbine generator in the form ofjet gas. Therefore, the generated heat can be used to drive the turbinegenerator without being converted to vapor or potential energy. Further,the generated heat can be used as alternative energy in place of waterpower, thermal power, wind power, coal, petroleum, nuclear power and thelike, or clean energy which allows reproduction and conservation of theEarth's environment, in all fields.

Impurity gas which is mixed in helium generated in the reaction furnace201 liquefies or solidifies at about 50 K. Therefore, by cooling theimpurity gas at a cryogenic temperature to be liquefied or solidified,it is possible to remove the impurity gas from helium. As a result, itis possible to produce and collect helium gas in large quantities.Alternatively, helium can be collected by causing the impurity to beabsorbed in a purification column. Helium produced according to thepresent invention can be used in well-known applications, such aswelding protection gas, filling gas for aerostat, gas enclosed in adischarge tube, artificial air for diving, and the like. Since heliumgas can be collected in large quantities and with low cost, developmentof novel applications of helium can be promoted.

FIG. 4 shows the comparison between heat generation before applyingultrasonic wave to the ultrahigh-density deuterated nanoparticle andheat generation during application of ultrasonic wave. In FIG. 4, thevertical axis represents temperature (° C.) and the horizontal axisrepresents time (min).

In FIG. 4, a curve A shows changes over time in heat generated whendeuterium atoms are solid-dissolved in the ZrO₂.Pd particle (before anuclear fusion reaction), and a curve B shows changes over time in heatgenerated when the ultrasonic wave is applied to an ultrahigh-densitydeuterated nanoparticle produced by solid-dissolving deuterium atomsinto the ZrO₂.Pd particle (during a nuclear fusion reaction). Note thatthe temperature of the outer wall surface of the reaction furnace 201was measured. This is because the temperature of the inside of thereaction furnace 201 is too high to be measured.

When deuterium atoms were solid-dissolved into the ZrO₂.Pd particle,chemical reaction heat (about 40 kJ/mol) was generated, so that a slightincrease in temperature was detected at the outer wall surface of thereaction furnace 201 (the curve A in FIG. 4).

When the ultrasonic wave is applied to an ultrahigh-density deuteratednanoparticle produced by solid-dissolving deuterium atoms into theZrO₂.Pd particle (during a nuclear fusion reaction), the temperature ofthe outer wall surface of the reaction furnace 201 rapidly increased, sothat specific temperature characteristics were observed (the curve B inFIG. 4). The rapid increase in the temperature of the outer wall surfaceof the reaction furnace 201 indicates that a nuclear fusion reactioncontinued for about 10 minutes. Most of the heavy water (D₂O) which isthe ultrasonic wave transfer medium 210 in the reaction furnace 201 wasvaporized, and was decomposed into D₂ or D. The inside of the reactionfurnace 201 is considered to have high temperature and high pressure,indicating a tremendous nuclear fusion reaction.

FIG. 5 shows comparison of an ultrahigh-density deuterated nanoparticlesample produced by solid-dissolving deuterium atoms into the ZrO₂.Pdparticle before and after applying the ultrasonic wave to the sample(before and after a nuclear fusion reaction).

In FIG. 5, [A] and [B] show the ultrahigh-density deuteratednanoparticle sample before applying the ultrasonic wave (before anuclear fusion reaction), and [C] and [D] show the ultrahigh-densitydeuterated nanoparticle sample after applying the ultrasonic wave(before a nuclear fusion reaction).

As can be seen from [C] and [D] of FIG. 5, zirconia (ZrO₂) contained inthe ultrahigh-density deuterated nanoparticle is melted due to hightemperature after application of the ultrasonic wave. The temperature ofthe inside of the reaction furnace 201 is too high to measure. However,since the melting point of zirconia (ZrO₂) is about 1850° C., thetemperature of the inside of the reaction furnace 201 is considered tobe about 1850° C. or more.

Based on the above-described finding, we determined that the resultantnuclear fusion reaction is ²D+²D=⁴He+lattice energy (23.8 MeV).

Note that, when the ultrasonic wave was applied (operations III and IV)to the ultrahigh-density deuterated nanoparticle produced bysolid-dissolving deuterium atoms to an atom number ratio of less than200% (operation II), it was confirmed that the heavy water (D₂O) whichis the ultrasonic wave transfer medium 210 in the reaction furnace 201was not vaporized and substantially remained in the reaction furnace201.

FIG. 6A shows the result of analysis of gas generated when theultrasonic wave was applied to the ultrahigh-density deuteratednanoparticle produced by solid-dissolving deuterium atoms into theZrO₂.Pd particle (during a nuclear fusion reaction). In FIG. 6A, thevertical axis represents pressure (ppm) and the horizontal axisrepresents time (sec). Gas generated in the reaction furnace 201 wasanalyzed using a Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer (QMS).

FIG. 6A, M2 indicates D, M3 indicates DH, and M4 indicates He. As can beseen, a nuclear fusion reaction caused deuterium atoms solid-dissolvedin the ultrahigh-density deuterated nanoparticle to react with oneanother to generate a large quantity of helium (He) gas.

FIG. 6B shows the result of analysis of gas generated after theultrasonic wave was applied to the ultrahigh-density deuteratednanoparticle produced by solid-dissolving deuterium atoms into theZrO₂.Pd particle (after a nuclear fusion reaction). In FIG. 6B, thevertical axis represents pressure (ppm) and the horizontal axisrepresents time (sec).

After the reaction, the sample was removed from the reaction furnace201.

The sample was heated at 1,300° C. in a sample container of the QMS. Gasthus generated was analyzed using the QMS.

In FIG. 6B, M2 indicates D, M3 indicates DH, and M4 indicates D₂. As canbe seen, after the nuclear fusion reaction, substantially no He or Dremained in the ultrahigh-density deuterated nanoparticle.

FIG. 6C shows spectra of M4. In FIG. 6C, the vertical axis represents anintensity of the spectra (10⁻⁹ A) and the horizontal axis representselapsed time (min). As can be seen from FIG. 6C, D₂ disappeared overtime, while most He remained.

Worthy of special note with reference to FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C is that thequantity of M4 (=He) produced during the nuclear fusion reaction (FIG.6A) was large by an order of magnitude or more, and most of thedeuterium atoms solid-dissolved in the ultrahigh-density deuteratednanoparticle reacted with one another to generate helium gas. Incontrast, substantially no He or D existed in the ultrahigh-densitydeuterated nanoparticle after the nuclear fusion reaction (FIG. 6B).

As described above, a larger number of deuterium atoms per unit particlecan be solid-dissolved in the metal nano-ultrafine particle than in bulkmetal particles. Therefore, the distance between deuterium atomssolid-dissolved in the metal nano-ultrafine particle is smaller than thedistance between deuterium atoms solid-dissolved in the bulk metalparticle. As a result, it is possible to apply a lower level of energyto the ultrahigh-density deuterated nanoparticle to cause a heatgeneration reaction at low temperature and for a long duration of timeas compared to energy applied to a particle comprising the bulk metalparticle and a plurality of deuterium atoms.

3. Structure of Hydrogen Condensate 300

FIG. 7 schematically shows an exemplary structure of a hydrogencondensate 300.

The hydrogen condensate 300 comprises a zirconium-nickel alloy composite(host) and a plurality of hydrogen isotope atoms (guests) 302solid-dissolved among a plurality of metal atoms 301 contained in thezirconium-nickel alloy composite. A larger quantity of hydrogen isotopeatoms can be solid-dissolved in the zirconium-nickel alloy compositethan in bulkmetal particles. This is because the bond between metalatoms in the zirconium-nickel alloy composite is more elastic than thebond between metal atoms in the bulk metal particle, and therefore, alower level of pressure needs to be applied to the zirconium-nickelalloy composite and hydrogen isotope atoms to solid-dissolve thehydrogen isotope atoms, than the level of pressure applied to the bulkmetal particle and hydrogen isotope atoms to solid-dissolve the hydrogenisotope atoms.

In FIG. 7, arrow B indicates the elasticity of the bond between metalatoms in the zirconium-nickel alloy composite.

The hydrogen condensate 300 Comprises a Zr—Pd—Ni particle (Zr₃NiO.Pdparticle) and a plurality of deuterium atoms solid-dissolved among aplurality of metal atoms contained in the Zr—Pd—Ni particle (Zr₃NiO.Pdparticle), for example.

The details of a production method of the Zr—Pd—Ni particle aredescribed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-340285(filed on Sep. 30, 2003).

Note that the hosts and/or guests described in 1.1 to 1.4 above can beused as the host and/or guest of the hydrogen condensate 300.

The zirconium-nickel alloy composite may be, for example, a Zr₃NiO.Pdparticle or Zr₄Ni₂O_(x)(0.3-1).

Note that metal alloy composites other than the zirconium-nickel alloycomposite can be used. The hydrogen condensate 300 may comprise a metalalloy composite (host) and a plurality of hydrogen isotope atoms(guests) solid-dissolved among a plurality of metal atoms contained inthe metal alloy composite. In this case, the plurality of metal, atomscontained in the metal alloy composite are at least two metal atomsselected from the metal group consisting of zirconium, titanium, nickel,palladium, magnesium, and boron. The metal alloy composite is, forexample, an oxide of a metal alloy.

4 . Method of Generating Heat Using Hydrogen Condensate 300

As an apparatus for generating heat using the hydrogen condensate 300,the heat generation apparatus 200 of FIG. 2 is used, for example. Theheat generation apparatus 200 is used to produce the hydrogen condensate300 by solid-dissolving hydrogen isotope atoms 302 among a plurality ofmetal atoms 301 contained in a zirconium-nickel alloy composite. Theheat generation apparatus 200 is also used to generate heat using thehydrogen condensate 300.

By applying energy to the hydrogen condensate 300, a plurality ofhydrogen isotope atoms react with one another to generate heat. Forexample, by applying energy to the hydrogen condensate 300 containing aplurality of deuterium atoms, the deuterium atoms react with one anotherto generate helium molecules as well as heat. The reaction isrepresented by:² D+ ² D= ⁴He+lattice energy (23.8 MeV).

The reaction does not generate a neutron and is a mild nuclear fusionreaction, and therefore, is desirably better than a DD nuclear fusionreaction described below. Therefore, the hydrogen condensate 300 of thepresent invention is recommended to be used for a nuclear fusionreaction in terms of the conservation of the environment. The well-knownDD nuclear fusion reaction which causes a radical impact of deuteriumatoms to generate T and neutrons is extremely dangerous, and therefore,is not desirable in terms of industrial applicability and conservationof the environment.

As described in 2. above, the reaction of deuterium generateshigh-temperature and high-pressure gas and helium gas in the reactionfurnace 201.

EXAMPLE 2

A zirconium-nickel alloy composite (including a Zr₃NiO.Pd particle,Zr₄Ni₂O_(x)(0.3-1)) was produced. The zirconium-nickel alloy compositewas placed in the reaction furnace 201, and thereafter, deuterium gas(D₂ gas) was injected into the reaction furnace 201. A pressure wasapplied to the zirconium-nickel alloy composite and the deuterium gas(D₂ gas) to cause the zirconium-nickel alloy composite to absorbdeuterium atoms, thereby preparing a nuclear fusion reaction material(ultrahigh-density deuterated metal alloy). Thereafter, impact energycreated by activating the ultrasonic wave vibrator 207 was applied viaan ultrasonic wave transfer medium (D₂O) to the ultrahigh-densitydeuterated metal alloy, thereby causing a nuclear fusion reaction.

A procedure for operating the heat generation apparatus 300 is similarto that described in Example 1 and will not be explained.

FIG. 8 shows changes over time in heat generated by solid-dissolvingdeuterium gas into the Zr₃NiO.Pd particle, and changes over time in theinternal pressure of the reaction furnace 201. In FIG. 8, a verticalaxis (left) represents temperature (° C.), another vertical axis (right)represents the internal pressure (atm) of the reaction furnace 201, andthe horizontal axis represents time (min).

It takes 70 min or more for the internal pressure of the reactionfurnace 201, to reach 10 atm. When a mixture gas of deuterium gas andhelium gas is solid-dissolved into the ZrO₂.Pd particle, it takes 55 minto 60 min for the internal pressure of the reaction furnace 201 to reach10 atm (see FIG. 3). Therefore, it will be understood that a largernumber of deuterium atoms are solid-dissolved in the Zr₃NiO.Pd particlethan in the ZrO₂.Pd particle.

FIG. 9 shows that it is more difficult for deuterium atoms to besolid-dissolved in the Zr₃NiO.Pd particle when a mixture gas ofdeuterium gas and helium gas is used than when deuterium gas is used. InFIG. 9, a vertical. axis (left) represents temperature (° C.), anothervertical axis (right) represents the internal pressure (atm) of thereaction furnace 201, and the horizontal axis represents time (min).

A curve P*_(He) indicates changes over time in the internal pressure ofthe reaction furnace 201 when a mixture gas of deuterium gas and heliumgas is solid-dissolved into the Zr₃NiO.Pd particle. A curve P* indicateschanges over time in the internal pressure of the reaction furnace 201when deuterium gas is solid-dissolved into the Zr₃NiO.Pd particle. Therising of the curve P*_(He) is earlier than the rising of the curve P*.Therefore, it will be understood that it is more difficult for deuteriumatoms to be solid-dissolved in the Zr₃NiO.Pd particle when a mixture gasof deuterium gas and helium gas is used than when deuterium gas is used.

FIG. 10 shows the result of analysis of gas generated when theultrasonic wave was applied to the deuterium condensate produced bysolid-dissolving deuterium atoms into the Zr₃NiO.Pd particle (during anuclear fusion reaction). In FIG. 10, the vertical axis representspressure (ppm) and the horizontal axis represents time (see). Gasgeneratedln the reaction furnace 201 was analyzed using the QMS.

In FIG. 10, M2 indicates D, M3 indicates DH, and M4 indicates He. As canbe seen, a nuclear fusion reaction caused deuterium atomssolid-dissolved in the deuterium condensate to react with one another togenerate a large quantity of helium (He) gas.

FIG. 11 shows that the quantity of helium generated by applying theultrasonic wave to the deuterium condensate produced by solid-dissolvingdeuterium atoms into the Zr₃NiO.Pd particle is larger than the quantityof helium generated by applying the ultrasonic wave to the deuteriumcondensate produced by solid-dissolving deuterium atoms into the ZrO₂.Pdparticle. In FIG. 11, the vertical axis represents ⁴He concentration(ppm). The length of a line A indicates the quantity of helium (2.45×10⁴ppm) generated by applying the ultrasonic wave to the deuteriumcondensate produced by solid-dissolving deuterium atoms into the ZrO₂.Pdparticle. The length of a line B indicates the quantity of helium(1.23×10⁵ ppm to 1.6×10⁵ ppm) generated by applying the ultrasonic waveto the deuterium condensate produced by solid-dissolving deuterium atomsinto the Zr₃NiO.Pd particle.

As described above, a larger number of deuterium atoms per unit particlecare be solid-dissolved in the zirconium-nickel alloy composite than inbulk metal particles. Therefore, the distance between deuterium atomssolid-dissolved in the zirconium-nickel alloy composite is smaller thanthe distance between deuterium atoms solid-dissolved in the bulk metalparticle. As a result, it is possible to apply a lower level of energyto the ultrahigh-density deutexated zirconium-nickel alloy composite tocause a heat generation reaction at low temperature and for a longduration as compared to energy applied to a particle comprising the bulkmetal particle and a plurality of deuterium atoms.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention provides a hydrogen condensate useful as a fueland a method of generating heat using the hydrogen condensate. Thepresent invention makes it possible to produce energy which is safe andwhose resource is guaranteed to be inexhaustible and which is thereforedesired by the human race, and helium gas which is useful and whoseabundance is very small. Further, the present invention provides animmeasurable contribution to development of new science and technologyin a wide variety of fields, such as energy science and technology,material science and technology, refrigerant technology, aeronauticalengineering and the like, and further, any activities for thecontinuation of the human race, and the conservation of the Earth'senvironment.

1. A method of generating heat using a hydrogen condensate, wherein the hydrogen condensate comprises a metal nano-ultrafine particle containing a plurality of metal atoms and a plurality of hydrogen isotope atoms solid-dissolved among the plurality of metal atoms, and at least two of the plurality of hydrogen isotope atoms are condensed so that an inter-atomic nuclear distance between the two hydrogen isotope atoms is smaller than or equal to an internuclear spacing of a molecule consisting of the two hydrogen isotope atoms, the heat generation method comprising: applying energy to the hydrogen condensate; and generating heat by causing the at least two hydrogen isotope atoms to react with each other due to the energy.
 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of metal atoms are metal atoms of at least one species selected from the group consisting of palladium, titanium, zirconium, silver, iron, nickel, copper, and zinc.
 3. A method of generating heat using a hydrogen condensate, wherein the hydrogen condensate comprises a metal alloy composite containing a plurality of metal atoms and a plurality of hydrogen isotope atoms solid-dissolved among the plurality of metal atoms, and at least two of the plurality of hydrogen isotope atoms are condensed so that an inter-atomic nuclear distance between the two hydrogen isotope atoms is smaller than or equal to an internuclear spacing of a molecule consisting of the two hydrogen isotope atoms, the heat generation method comprising: applying energy to the hydrogen condensate; and generating heat by causing the at least two hydrogen isotope atoms to react with each other due to the energy.
 4. A method according to claim 3, wherein the energy is generated based on at least one of ultrasonic wave, strong magnetic field, high pressure, laser, laser explosive flux-compression, high-density electron beam, high-density current, discharge, and chemical reaction.
 5. A method according to claim 3, wherein in the step of generating heat, the at least two hydrogen isotope atoms are reacted with each other to generate a helium molecule in addition to the heat.
 6. A hydrogen condensate, comprising: a metal nano-ultrafine particle containing a plurality of metal atoms; and a plurality of hydrogen isotope atoms solid-dissolved among the plurality of metal atoms, wherein at least two of the plurality of hydrogen isotope atoms are condensed so that an inter-atomic nuclear distance between the two hydrogen isotope atoms is smaller than or equal to an internuclear spacing of a molecule consisting of the two hydrogen isotope atoms.
 7. A hydrogen condensate according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of metal atoms are metal atoms of at least one species selected from the group consisting of palladium, titanium, zirconium, silver, iron, nickel, copper, and zinc.
 8. A hydrogen condensate, comprising: a metal alloy composite containing a plurality of metal atoms; and a plurality of hydrogen isotope atoms solid-dissolved among the plurality of metal atoms, wherein at least two of the plurality of hydrogen isotope atoms are condensed so that an inter-atomic nuclear distance between the two hydrogen isotope atoms is smaller than or equal to an internuclear spacing of a molecule consisting of the two hydrogen isotope atoms.
 9. A method according to claim 1, wherein the energy is generated based on at least one of ultrasonic wave, strong magnetic field, high pressure, laser, laser explosive flux-compression, high-density electron beam, high-density current, discharge, and chemical reaction.
 10. A method according to claim 1, wherein in the step of generating heat, the at least two hydrogen isotope atoms are reacted with each other to generate a helium molecule in addition to the heat. 